DNA Polymerase Theta (POLQ)

POLQ, also known as DNA polymerase theta, is an important enzyme in the DNA damage response (DDR). It contributes to the repair of double-strand breaks through theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ), also referred to as microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ).

POLQ has emerged as a promising synthetic-lethality target, particularly in cancers with homologous recombination (HR) deficiencies, including tumors associated with BRCA1/2 mutations. Inhibition of POLQ in HR-deficient cancer cells can increase genomic instability and promote cancer-cell death.

ICE Bioscience has established an integrated POLQ screening cascade from in vitro to in vivo, covering protein production, biochemical assays, cell-line construction, cellular pharmacology, cell-panel screening, and animal modeling. This cascade supports mechanistic studies and systematic evaluation of POLQ inhibitors.